10 things to look out for at the Autosport International Show

The Autosport International Show takes place this weekend at the NEC in Birmingham, with the vast halls jam-packed with motoring related goodness.

For a look at a preview for the event, which is the largest of its kind in Europe, go here. In this piece, we list 10 things that are really not to be missed at this year’s show.

1) Live Action Arena

This unique one-hour experience is quite literally “petrolhead heaven” and is full of excitement. Whether it is supercars, classic Formula 1 machinery or stunts, the show has something for all motorsport fans.

Hosted by Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft and The Gadget Show’s Pollyanna Woodward, the show includes appearances from the McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award finalists and interviews with special guests.

There are six showings of the Live Action Arena on Saturday and five on Sunday, and all show tickets come with a seat for the intense experience. It is definitely not to be missed.

2) Motorsport Legends

Each year, the Autosport International Show presents special features dedicated to some of the most iconic drivers in motorsport. For 2014, the feature will celebrate the incredible career of John Surtees.

Located in Hall 20, a selection of iconic motorbikes and cars from his career will be on show. The man himself will also headline the event’s guest line-up, sharing memories and stories from his outstanding career racing on both two and four wheels.

3) Motorsport Stars

As mentioned above, a number of motorsport stars will be in attendance over the Autosport International Show weekend. These include John Surtees, former F1 driver – and current Sky Sports F1 commentator – Martin Brundle, 2013 Le Mans and WEC champion Allan McNish and lead 2014 Sauber F1 driver Adrian Sutil to name just a few.

4) F1 Racing Display

F1 Racing, the world’s leading Grand Prix magazine, will – as always – have a unique display of Formula 1 machinery on show, giving fans the chance to take a close-up look at the cars.

All 11 teams on the 2013 grid will be represented at the show. Special guests will also make appearances at the display for interviews.

5) BTCC Display

Fans of the British Touring Car Championship are in for a treat at this year’s show, with a brand new display dedicated to the series.

A number of cars will be on display, giving show-goers the chance to take a close-up look at the NGTC-spec machinery. 2013 champion Andrew Jordan will be at the show along with his Pirtek Racing Honda. Jason Plato, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden will also be in attendance.

6) Rally Display

As well as a display dedicated to BTCC, the show will also have a number of iconic WRC cars on show at the Autosport International Wales Rally GB feature – including a selection of iconic Subaru Impreza.

Four-time winner of Wales Rally GB, Peter Solberg, will be at the show on Saturday morning, which is one not to be missed for fans of the World Rally Championship.

7) Coys Auction

Want to spend some serious cash on some stunning classic cars? Or just want to take a look at some mouth-watering classic motoring machinery? Then the Coys Auction is definitely a must visit while you are at the show.

The sale at this year’s Autosport International Show will include a jaw-dropping collection of sports, racing, rally and touring cars. Be sure to head down to Hall 20 to take a look at the cars on display.

8) Autocar Stand

Want to see some of the fastest supercars currently on the market? Then head on over to the Autocar stand in the Performance Car Show area, to drool over the Aston Martin Vanquish, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and Jaguar XKRS GT – to name just a few of the cars on display.

Brand new cars will also be on display from the likes of Vauxhall and Abarth. So if you want to take a look at some of the finest automotive specimens on the road, it is a must-visit.

9) Popbangcolour

Ever thought about creating art using remote control cars? Probably not, but artist Ian Cook did and has created some stunning pieces – many of which will be on display at his stand in hall 6.

You can even purchase prints at the show, and some pretty cool automotive machinery is also part of the display.

10) Bloodhound SSC

Have you ever stood in front of a 1,000mph car? Didn’t think so. Here is your chance. The Bloodhound SSC is attempting to break the land speed record and by 33% no less.

Powered by a jet engine and a rocket, the supersonic car will undergo testing in South Africa later in the year. It looks incredible in pictures, but even more so in person.

Images courtesy of Octane Photographic.

Jack Leslie

Jack Leslie is a freelance motorsport and Formula 1 journalist. He has been part of the Richland F1 team since the very start and made his F1 paddock debut for the website at the 2014 Austrian Grand Prix. Jack also writes for Car Throttle, RumbleStripNews, Formula1Blog, PureF1 and F1 Plus, as well as running a popular blog.